I visited a Spanish city during tourism protests - it's not Brits locals are mad at

I'll admit, I hesitated before booking my first-ever trip to Barcelona. For years I'd seen headlines about anti-tourism protests, angry signs reading "Tourists go home," and viral videos of water pistols being turned on unsuspecting visitors. The idea of arriving in a place where you're viewed as part of the problem isn't exactly the warmest welcome.

But curiosity, and the promise of Gaudi, tapas, and sunshine, won out. I booked months in advance, only to discover as the trip neared that another round of protests was planned. Right as I was due to land. I braced myself. I pictured dodging dyed smoke and getting side-eyed for pulling out Google Maps too many times.

But what I found on the ground surprised me: the people were welcoming, the city was vibrant, and I didn't see a single water gun.

One afternoon, on a walking tour through the city, I spoke with a local guide about the protests.

She paused thoughtfully before responding.

"It's really a small group making the most noise," she said. "Most locals don't hate tourists. We know people love our city. What frustrates us is how the government has managed the growth."

That seemed to be the real issue - poor urban planning, rising rents, and a lack of affordable housing for locals.

The tourism boom had brought money, yes, but also crowding, noise, and skyrocketing property prices. By 2028, the city plans to ban tourist apartment rentals altogether in a bid to reclaim housing for residents.

Walking down La Rambla, past souvenir shops and café terraces, I noticed protest posters still stuck to lamp posts: "Your holidays, my misery." The message was jarring, but not personal.

It wasn't about hating individual tourists. It was about a system that had allowed mass tourism to spiral out of control.

I thought about that as I sipped on Sangria with Casa Batllo offering a colourful and endulating background, chatting with a bartender who asked where we were from and offered local tips without a hint of resentment. At the Sagrada Familia, friendly security guards smiled and waved off our clumsy attempts at Spanish with patience.

Barcelona is a city at a crossroads. It's grappling with the double-edged sword of being one of the most desirable destinations in Europe. But from what I saw, the tension isn't about visitors themselves, it's about how tourism is being managed, and who benefits.

So yes, I visited Barcelona during the protests. And no, I didn't get sprayed or scowled at. I was reminded instead that most locals aren't angry at people like me, they're angry at being priced out of their own city.

The key, it seems, is to visit with care. Stay in locally owned accommodations, eat at neighborhood restaurants, and avoid treating the city like a theme park. Be a guest, not just a consumer.

Because this place isn't just a holiday backdrop, it's home.